Arts

Cape Fear Studios presents 15th annual 2D competition

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Wednesday, 08 July 2026

Written by Lena Simmons

Cape Fear Studios will be showing the 15th Annual 2D Competition until Aug. 25. The studio is located at 148 Maxwell St., and is open Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This juried art exhibit features the works of artists nationwide. JJ Jiang from the Village Art Circle Fine Arts Studios out of Cary, NC,  was the juror. Admission is free to the public. For more information, visit the Cape Fear Studios website, www.capefearstudios.com

Two-dimensional art is any visual artwork created on a flat surface. It possesses only two dimensions, height and width, and lacks any physical depth. Artists use mediums such as pencils, ink and pastels on paper for drawing, sketches, illustrations and detailed portraits. 

Painting uses the mediums of oil, acrylic, watercolor, or gouache on canvas, wood and paper. Photography captures images using a camera to freeze a moment in time. Mixed media combines various flat materials such as cut paper, fabric, for photographs on a flat surface.

Jiang is a signature member of the Oil Painters of America, American Watercolor Society and National Watercolor Society. His painting, "Green Guitar," was selected for the 35th National Juried Exhibition of the Oil Painters of America, held in Steamboat Springs, CO, this year.

Jiang shared with the Youage Raleigh Magazine in 2021, “My childhood was spent in China during the Great Proletarian Revolution (1966-1976). During that era of madness, drawing, writing and reading poetry kept me safe and sane, and shielded me from the chaotic world outside. Drawing and painting have become inseparable parts of my life.”

The winners of the 15th Annual 2D Competition at Cape Fear Studios are:

• Best in Show, “li'l girl,” oil, Ron Beckham, Roanoke Rapids, NC

• 1st place, "Chromatic Dashboard,” oil on canvas, Thistle Wise, Mt. Pleasant, NC 

• 2nd place, “Lazarus,” oil, Devlin Lovett, Augusta, GA

• Honorable Mention, “Basket of Blooms,” oil, Suk Rodriguez 

• Honorable Mention, "Clusterscape 48:Oodles,” tissue collage, pen and ink, acrylic on archival board, Sudie Rakusin, Hillsborough, NC

Cape Fear Studios was established in 1989 as a non-profit arts organization in historic downtown Fayetteville. 

Experience the 15th Annual 2D Competition until Aug. 25. For more information, visit Cape Fear Studios’ website at www.capefearstudios.com

(Photo: "Li'l Girl," oil, was named Best in Show at the Cape Fear Studios 15th Annual 2D Competition. The creator is Ron Beckham out of Roanoke Rapids, NC. Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Studios)

Bluegrass, Christmas, snowmen, fantasy: CFRT's diverse season

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Tuesday, 07 July 2026

Written by Katie Herring

Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s 2026-27 season promises to be a momentous one in many ways.  Since 1962, the Theatre has been entertaining Fayetteville audiences with high-quality theatre, featuring both local and “out of town” talent. This upcoming season promises to be no different, with a lineup of shows that will bring new and familiar stories to the stage.

CFRT will kick off its 26-27 season with Bright Star, a bluegrass musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. The story follows Alice Murphy as both a rebellious and adventurous teenager and 20 years later as a successful literary editor. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, it is a story of love, heartbreak, and redemption. Bright Star is sure to captivate audiences with its heart-warming story and high-energy music.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will return to the CFRT stage, celebrating its 35th anniversary. For many in the Fayetteville community, the story of the Herdman kids and how they almost ruined the annual Christmas pageant is the official beginning of the holiday season.  While staging a show with 100+ kids over 4 separate casts is no small feat, this annual tradition is perfect for the whole family.

Although we never know if North Carolina's weather is going to give us any snow during the winter, CFRT’s stage is set to become a winter wonderland in January 2027 as the curtain rises on Disney’s Frozen. Based on the 2013 animated film, the live stage version has been astounding audiences since its Broadway debut in 2018. Unique and impressive visual effects combine with a soaring score and uplifting story to provide an unforgettable theatre experience.

Up next in CFRT’s lineup is the comedy One Man, Two Guvnors.  The play is an adaptation of The Servant of Two Masters, an 18th-century farce by Carlo Goldoni. Featuring CFRT favorite and Education Director Marc de la Concha, the play will be sure to have audiences in stitches as Francis (the “one man” mentioned in the title) keeps his two mobster bosses apart.  

The season will wrap up with Big Fish, a fantasy musical that is full of spectacle, high-energy music and humor.  Based on a novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Tim Burton film, Big Fish follows the life of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who tells larger-than-life stories that captivate everyone around him. As his son, Will, embarks on a journey to understand the man behind the myth, Big Fish explores the power of storytelling, family bonds, and the search for identity.

In addition to this exciting line-up of shows, the team is looking forward to moving back to their location at 1209 Hay Street as they complete their massive building project. There is still time to support this endeavor as the theatre has announced The Final Million Dollar Match, “a $1,000,000 fund created by The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, The Junior League of Fayetteville, Larry & Julianne Bass, Betsy Hubbard, and Mary Flagg & Jim Haugh that will DOUBLE the impact of any new gifts of $10,000+ (payable over five years) made to the campaign before September 1, 2026.”  For more information, go to www.cfrt.org/capital-campaign/support-act-2. 

Season Tickets are on sale now. The Early Bird special runs through July 17 and provides 30% savings.  For more information, go to cfrt.org or call the box office at 910-323-4233.

CFRT makes ‘Fetch’ happen this summer with "Mean Girls Jr."

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Wednesday, 08 July 2026

Written by Katie Herring

 Cape Fear Regional Theatre is preparing to electrify Fayetteville audiences with its highly anticipated summer camp productions of Mean Girls Jr., a high-octane musical adaptation perfectly tailored for young performers. Bringing together some of the area's finest young talent, the upcoming performances promise to showcase not only high school hierarchy hilarity but also the immense artistic growth fostered within CFRT’s walls.

The story of Cady Heron, Regina George, and the jungle of North Shore High School first entered the global cultural lexicon in 2004. Written by the legendary comedian and actress Tina Fey, the original Mean Girls movie became an overnight cinematic masterpiece, introducing generation-defining catchphrases and brilliantly satirizing the complex dynamics of teenage friendships. 

Fey’s sharp, witty dialogue struck a chord that resonated far beyond the early 2000s, establishing a timeless foundation for adaptations across various mediums.

The Broadway musical adaptation opened in 2018 to rave reviews, featuring dialogue by Tina Fey, music by Jeff Richmond and lyrics by Nell Benjamin. The production injected contemporary pop and rock sensibilities into the story, giving iconic characters like Janis Ian and the Plastic royalty explosive musical numbers. 

The momentum continued well into the current decade, culminating in the 2024 movie musical premiere, which introduced a new generation of digital-native fans to the iconic saga. Designed specifically for young actors between the ages of 10 and 14, this massive cultural phenomenon has been expertly condensed into a version that keeps all the heart, humor, and hook-filled melodies while being appropriate for young ensembles.

For Cape Fear Regional Theatre, bringing a production of this scale to life is no small feat, particularly when structured within their summer camp curriculum. This summer, CFRT is hosting three distinct, comprehensive two-week theater camps designed specifically to immerse young creatives in the realities of theatrical production. 

The schedule is rigorous, demanding dedication, focus, and passion from every participant involved.

The summer rollout is already well underway. The first two-week session has officially wrapped up, and was a huge success. However, the excitement is far from over. Two additional sessions are scheduled throughout the month of July, meaning that the halls of CFRT will remain filled with rehearsals, choreography reviews and vocal warm-ups for weeks to come. 

Guiding these young actors through the intense rehearsal process is a trio of seasoned theater professionals, ensuring that the camp environment maintains the high production values CFRT is celebrated for. 

Leading the production as Director is Marc de la Concha. Under his guidance, the campers learn that beyond the comedic lines and iconic insults lies a profound story about authenticity, empathy, and peer pressure.

The demanding vocal score of the show is placed in the capable hands of Music Director Amber Dawn French. French is tasked with blending dozens of young voices into harmonies that do justice to Richmond’s Broadway score. 

From teaching vocal health to executing intricate group numbers, her musical leadership ensures the cast sounds uniform and powerful. Complementing the music is the dynamic movement designed by Choreographer JaRon Alexander. Alexander’s high-energy choreography translates the frantic, rhythmic pulse of high school life into stunning visual sequences.

As the July camp sessions approach their respective showcase dates, the Fayetteville community is strongly encouraged to secure their tickets early. Performances will take place at Cape Fear Regional Theatre's main facility, located at 1707 Owen Drive. 

Tickets for all upcoming sessions of Mean Girls Jr. are available exclusively through the theater's box office at cfrt.org. Given the immense popularity of the title and the proud networks of families, friends, and local theater enthusiasts eager to support Fayetteville's rising stars, seats are expected to fill quickly. Attending a CFRT summer camp production is more than just an afternoon of entertainment; it is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work of young performers who are proving that the future of North Carolina theater is exceptionally bright.

(Photo: The cast of Mean Girls Jr. pop out of lockers during a musical number. Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Regional Theatre's Facebook page)

A season of music, discovery: FSO's unique journey

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Tuesday, 07 July 2026

Written by Sheila D. Barker

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's 2026-2027 season represents a unique opportunity for our community to experience world-class musical artistry while participating in an important decision-making process. This season, four distinguished conductors, each a finalist for the position of Music Director, will grace the stage, bringing their distinctive interpretations and artistic visions to our beloved symphony. Your presence and feedback will help shape the future direction of this treasured community institution.

The 2026-2027 Season Line-Up

• September 19, 2026-Benoit Gauthier will conduct "Beethoven 8" concert at Huff Concert Hall (Methodist University)-7:30 p.m. Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony is a joyful and vital work, paired with folk dances from Kodaly and Dvorak, and a flashy overture by Strauss.

• November 14, 2026-Dirk Meyer will conduct "Brahms 1" at Huff Concert Hall (Methodist University)-7:30 p.m.

Experience the orchestra across ages with classic and contemporary: Brahms’ powerful First Symphony, dramatic works from Beethoven and Korngold, and Caroline Shaw’s refreshing Entr’acte.

• January 23, 2027-Duo Shen will conduct the "Dvorak 8" concert at Huff Concert Hall (Methodist University)-7:30 p.m. Dvorak’s Eighth Symphony is an exploration of nature and optimism, paired with coasts in Mendelssohn’s Hebrides and rivers in Smetana’s The Moldau.

• February 20, 2027-Ian Passmore will conduct the "Tchaikovsky 5" concert at Huff Concert Hall (Methodist University)-7:30 p.m. Tchaikovsky’s triumphant Fifth Symphony, a symbol of fate and resilience, follows the mysterious folk story of Dvorak’s The Water Goblin.

• April 10, 2027-"5 Folk Songs in Counterpoint" concert at St. John’s Episcopal Church-7:30 p.m.  Enjoy beautiful small ensemble music in a personal and intimate performance space. Featuring strings, winds, and even a guitar, there’s something for everyone with works from Haydn, Poulenc, Price, and more.

Season subscriptions are currently available for purchase. Supporting the FSO through subscription helps sustain their mission and ensures your favorite programming continues. Multiple subscription packages exist to match preferences, whether attending everything or selecting specific performances. Subscribers receive discounted FSO ticket pricing, access to members-only gatherings, and additional benefits. 

New to this year, FSO subscribers gain admission to Friday rehearsals before the four candidate concerts throughout the season. Experience the creation process of each performance and observe the conductor's collaboration with the orchestra's musicians ahead of the main show. Visit the FSO website for detailed package information and pricing: https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/subscriptions/. 

The symphony's commitment to cultural enrichment extends beyond the concert hall. These performances provide opportunities for personal growth, lifelong learning, and community connection. Values that resonate deeply with our region's commitment to accessible, meaningful arts experiences. Whether you're attending to support local culture, explore new musical horizons, or simply enjoy an evening of beauty and inspiration, each concert offers a chance to be moved, challenged, and uplifted by the power of live orchestral music.

To read up on each guest conductor, visit https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/md-finalists/

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's 2026-2027 season represents a unique opportunity for our community to experience world-class musical artistry while participating in an important decision-making process. This season, four distinguished conductors, each a finalist for the position of Music Director, will grace the stage, bringing their distinctive interpretations and artistic visions to our beloved symphony. Your presence and feedback will help shape the future direction of this treasured community institution.

The 2026-2027 Season Line-Up

• September 19, 2026-Benoit Gauthier will conduct "Beethoven 8" concert at Huff Concert Hall (Methodist University)-7:30 p.m. Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony is a joyful and vital work, paired with folk dances from Kodaly and Dvorak, and a flashy overture by Strauss.

• November 14, 2026-Dirk Meyer will conduct "Brahms 1" at Huff Concert Hall (Methodist University)-7:30 p.m.

Experience the orchestra across ages with classic and contemporary: Brahms’ powerful First Symphony, dramatic works from Beethoven and Korngold, and Caroline Shaw’s refreshing Entr’acte.

• January 23, 2027-Duo Shen will conduct the "Dvorak 8" concert at Huff Concert Hall (Methodist University)-7:30 p.m. Dvorak’s Eighth Symphony is an exploration of nature and optimism, paired with coasts in Mendelssohn’s Hebrides and rivers in Smetana’s The Moldau.

• February 20, 2027-Ian Passmore will conduct the "Tchaikovsky 5" concert at Huff Concert Hall (Methodist University)-7:30 p.m. Tchaikovsky’s triumphant Fifth Symphony, a symbol of fate and resilience, follows the mysterious folk story of Dvorak’s The Water Goblin.

• April 10, 2027-"5 Folk Songs in Counterpoint" concert at St. John’s Episcopal Church-7:30 p.m.  Enjoy beautiful small ensemble music in a personal and intimate performance space. Featuring strings, winds, and even a guitar, there’s something for everyone with works from Haydn, Poulenc, Price, and more.

Season subscriptions are currently available for purchase. Supporting the FSO through subscription helps sustain their mission and ensures your favorite programming continues. Multiple subscription packages exist to match preferences, whether attending everything or selecting specific performances. Subscribers receive discounted FSO ticket pricing, access to members-only gatherings, and additional benefits. 

New to this year, FSO subscribers gain admission to Friday rehearsals before the four candidate concerts throughout the season. Experience the creation process of each performance and observe the conductor's collaboration with the orchestra's musicians ahead of the main show. Visit the FSO website for detailed package information and pricing: https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/subscriptions/. 

The symphony's commitment to cultural enrichment extends beyond the concert hall. These performances provide opportunities for personal growth, lifelong learning, and community connection. Values that resonate deeply with our region's commitment to accessible, meaningful arts experiences. Whether you're attending to support local culture, explore new musical horizons, or simply enjoy an evening of beauty and inspiration, each concert offers a chance to be moved, challenged, and uplifted by the power of live orchestral music.

To read up on each guest conductor, visit https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/md-finalists/